Historic Kunkletown eatery reopens its doors

The chairman of the Eldred Township board of supervisors has opened a family restaurant serving up homemade favorites while preserving the history of the village of Kunkletown.

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By CHRIS REBER

poconorecord.com

By CHRIS REBER

Posted Feb. 10, 2014 at 12:01 AM

By CHRIS REBER

Posted Feb. 10, 2014 at 12:01 AM

» Social News

The chairman of the Eldred Township board of supervisors has opened a family restaurant serving up homemade favorites while preserving the history of the village of Kunkletown.

Gretchen Gannon Pettit took leadership of the board Jan. 6.

Her new restaurant, the Kunkletown Pub at Buckwha Inne, opened just five days before.

Gannon Pettit said the restaurant provides a family atmosphere for all to enjoy.

"I just want to create a relaxing, family, non-smoking atmosphere where they can get anything from a cheeseburger to chicken francaise," Gannon Pettit said.

Customers can expect homemade specialties; Gannon Pettit is currently doubling as chef.

"There's nothing right here in the middle of town that I felt you could sit down and have a quality soup or burger," Gannon Pettit said.

The building dates back to 1838. It was most recently the Jupiter Tavern, but most residents know it as the American Hotel.

Eldred Township Historical Society chairman Helen Mackes said it's an important part of the village.

"We need to preserve what we have in our village," Mackes said. "I'm happy another building is staying the way it was."

Gannon Pettit said she's had her eyes on the property for more than five years. Earlier this year, it came up for sheriff's sale after it was foreclosed. She pounced on it, but didn't have all the cash in place.

A nearby church wanted a small piece of the lot the hotel sits on for a proposed addition. It agreed to provide the funds to close the deal in exchange for the land.

"It was kind of like a sign from above," Gannon Pettit said.

Mackes said she was pleased to hear Gannon Pettit acquired the hotel, and very pleased with the offerings thus far.